Dendrobium Orchid: How to Grow, Care for, and Maintain

Do I care for a Dendrobium Orchid the same way I take care of a Phaleonopsis Orchid?

Hi Tom,

Dendrobium orchid

There are two main types of Dendrobium Orchids, hard-caned and soft-caned. The care for each is very different and proper care is very important for these orchids to thrive. Here are some care tips from a book entitled Orchids Made Easy that I think are are excellent.

“Dendrobiums are separated into two main groups: hard-caned and soft-caned.
Hard-caned Dendrobiums have tall pseudobulbs that are very thin and their leaves are generally a little darker in color than the soft-caned. Hard-caned Dens are evergreen and often keep their leaves for many years before they drop them. Hard-caned Dens grow spikes from the top of the cane and produce gorgeous flower sprays.

Soft-caned Dendrobiums have leafy pseudobulbs that are long and slim. Their leaves are generally a little lighter in color than the hard-caned Dens. They grow leaves along the length of the cane and the blooms sprout from the individual stems that are along the cane itself. Soft-caned dendrobiums are deciduous and drop their leaves when the weather gets cold.

Because the care for each type of Dendrobium can vary so much we have chosen two types to give you detailed care on. The Dendrobium Nobile (which are soft-caned) and Dendrobium Phalaenopsis, also sometimes referred to as Dendrobium Bigibbum (which are hard-caned).

Dendrobium Nobile-Temperature Requirements
Dendrobium Nobile orchids are cooler growers than the Den-Phals and they require temperatures that are a little lower. While the Den-Nobile orchid is in bloom it does best with nighttime temperatures of 40°F to 50°F (4.4°C to 10°C). Temperatures should not rise above 90°F (32.2°C) or fall below 37°F to 39°F (2.8°C to 3.9°C).

Dendrobium Nobile-Potting Requirements
Den-Nobile orchids should be repotted every year and a half to two years or once the canes have begun to overgrow the pot or the potting medium remains soggy and no longer drains properly. Only repot the orchid after it has bloomed. Before repotting always trim away the damaged roots with a sterile cutting tool. Den-Nobile orchids can be divided as long as they have 7 or 8 canes. If you were to divide a plant with less than that it would stunt the growth of each division.

DENDROBIUM PHALAENOPSIS (Den-Phal)

Dendrobium Phalaenopsis-Water Requirements
A Dendrobium Phalaenopsis orchid should be watered in the morning using tepid water. The watering schedule for a Den-Phal can greatly depend on the type of pot the orchid is planted in, the temperature, and also the time of year. As a rule of thumb, you will want to water more frequently during the warmer months and less frequently in the cooler months. While the Den-Phal is in active growth the roots and potting medium should be kept moist (water approximately once a week), but can be allowed to dry between watering once it is no longer in active growth.

Dendrobium Phalaenopsis-Light Requirements
As covered in this article about orchids care and light, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis orchids thrive with medium light conditions. A great inside location to place your Den-Phal on an eastern facing windowsill. If you have a shaded southern facing windowsill this will also work.

Dendrobium Phalaenopsis-Temperature Requirements
As discussed in this orchid plant care article on temperature, the temperature requirements for Den-Phal orchids are daytime temperatures somewhere between 75°F to 85°F (23.8°C to 29.4°C) and night temperatures between 60°F and 65°F (15.6°C to 18.3°C). Den-Phals will do best when there is a 15°F to 20°F (8.3°C to 11.1°C) difference between day and night temperatures. Remember, with higher temperatures you will have to maintain higher humidity conditions, more air movement, as well as more frequent waterings.